APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (08/09/2025)
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (08-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
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🎶 Bhupen Hazarika Centenary Celebrations: Cultural & Social Significance
📘 GS Paper 1: Indian Culture – Salient Features of Art, Music & Literature
📘 GS Paper 2: Social Empowerment | Role of Icons in Society
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Regional Art, Culture & Heritage
🔹 Introduction
The year 2026 marks the centenary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika (1926–2011), one of India’s most celebrated cultural icons, known as the “Bard of the Brahmaputra.” The Assam Tribune (08 Sept 2025) reported the state’s elaborate plans for year-long centenary celebrations, underlining his enduring legacy in music, cinema, literature, and social activism. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per Assam Tribune report)
Centenary Events: Assam Govt to organise cultural festivals, concerts, seminars, and film retrospectives.
National-International Dimension: UNESCO, ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) and NEZCC (North East Zone Cultural Centre) to partner.
Bhupen Hazarika’s Contribution:
Songs on humanity, communal harmony, justice, and nature.
Promoted Assamese culture globally, especially through his work in the US (Columbia University, 1940s–50s).
Symbol of Integration: His songs in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi bridged cultural divides.
Recognition: Bharat Ratna (2019), Padma Vibhushan (2012, posthumous), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1992). filecite
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Bhupen Hazarika Titles: “Sudhakantha” (Nightingale), “Bard of the Brahmaputra.”
Notable Songs: Manuhe Manuhor Babe, Bistirno Parore (inspired by Paul Robeson’s Ol’ Man River).
Institutions Named: Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Setu (India’s longest bridge over Lohit, 9.15 km).
Film Contributions: Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi; music director in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali films.
Global Connect: Studied at Columbia University; associated with Paul Robeson’s social justice movement.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Bhupen Hazarika’s Legacy
Cultural Renaissance: Revived and popularised Assamese folk traditions.
Social Message: Advocated unity, humanism, and dignity of labour through music.
Political Significance: Voice of the marginalized – tribals, workers, and tea garden labourers.
Global Outreach: Took Assamese music to global platforms, connecting local to universal.
National Integration: Through Hindi compositions, bridged NE with rest of India.
B. Challenges in Preserving Legacy
Commercialisation: Dilution of authenticity in remakes.
Generational Gap: Youth less aware of his philosophy beyond music.
Documentation Issues: Many recordings, manuscripts not digitally preserved.
Regional Limitation: Often confined to Assam, less integrated in India’s mainstream cultural discourse.
C. Government & Institutional Initiatives
Centenary Celebrations (2025–26): Cultural exchange programmes, digitisation of archives.
Bhupen Hazarika Kalakshetra (Guwahati): Dedicated cultural centre.
Inclusion in Curriculum: Assamese universities introducing courses on his works.
UNESCO Partnership: To showcase Hazarika’s message of humanity globally.
D. Way Forward
Digital Preservation: Archive songs, films, writings in multiple languages.
Youth Engagement: Music festivals, competitions themed on his philosophy.
Cultural Diplomacy: Use Hazarika’s works in India’s soft power diplomacy.
Community Participation: Involve schools, tea gardens, and rural communities in centenary events.
Scholarly Research: Establish Bhupen Hazarika Chairs in universities for interdisciplinary studies.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (08 Sept 2025) – report on centenary celebrations. filecite
Books: Bhupen Hazarika: As I Knew Him by Kalpana Lajmi.
Awards: Bharat Ratna (2019), Padma Vibhushan (2012), Dadasaheb Phalke (1992).
Cultural References: UNESCO and ICCR collaborations.
🧩 Conclusion
Bhupen Hazarika’s centenary is not just a cultural celebration but a reminder of the power of art in nation-building. His songs of humanism, harmony, and dignity remain deeply relevant in an era of rising social divides. By revitalising his legacy through education, digital archiving, and cultural diplomacy, Assam can project Hazarika as a global icon of cultural integration and social justice.
🛣️ CAG Report on Irregularities in Mizoram PWD Road Project
📘 GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance – Transparency & Accountability
📘 GS Paper 3: Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam & NE): Regional Governance Issues
🔹 Introduction
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in its audit report (highlighted in Assam Tribune, 08 Sept 2025), flagged serious irregularities in Mizoram PWD’s road construction projects, exposing gaps in financial management, project execution, and accountability. This raises broader concerns about governance and infrastructure delivery in the Northeast, where connectivity is critical for development. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per Assam Tribune report)
Audit Findings:
Diversion of project funds.
Poor quality of construction, non-adherence to specifications.
Delays in project completion due to weak monitoring.
Affected Projects: Key state highways and rural connectivity projects.
Financial Irregularities: Payments released without proper verification of work.
CAG Concern: Lack of accountability and monitoring within Public Works Department (PWD).
Implications: Wastage of public funds, compromised road safety, and poor connectivity in remote districts. filecite
🧠 Prelims Pointers
CAG of India:
Constitutional authority under Art. 148.
Reports to the President/Governor; examined by PAC (Public Accounts Committee).
CAG Mandate: Audits accounts of Union, states, and government-owned corporations.
North East Road Connectivity:
Bharatmala Pariyojana: National highway development programme.
PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana): Rural road connectivity.
North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS).
Mizoram’s Strategic Roads: Vital for Act East Policy and India–Myanmar trade.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of Road Projects in Mizoram & NE
Enhance connectivity in hilly terrain, integrating remote tribal villages.
Crucial for Act East Policy (India–Myanmar–Thailand highway, Kaladan project).
Boosts trade, tourism, and access to healthcare/education.
Strengthens border infrastructure for strategic security.
B. Challenges Highlighted by CAG
| Challenge | Impact |
| Fund Diversion & Corruption | Loss of public resources, delays in road projects. |
| Poor Quality Control | Unsafe, short-lived infrastructure. |
| Administrative Weakness | Weak oversight within PWD. |
| Geographical Constraints | Hilly terrain makes monitoring difficult. |
| Accountability Deficit | Weak role of PAC and legislative committees. |
C. Government Initiatives for Road Infrastructure
PMGSY: All-weather connectivity for rural areas.
Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I: Focus on NE and border connectivity.
NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme).
Digital Monitoring: Use of geo-tagging and mobile apps for PMGSY works.
Transparency Reforms: e-tendering, real-time project dashboards.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Oversight: Empower PAC and state vigilance commissions.
Use of Technology: Drones, GPS-based monitoring for road works.
Community Involvement: Local monitoring committees for accountability.
Capacity Building: Training PWD engineers and contractors in quality control.
Strict Penalties: Blacklisting contractors engaged in fund misuse.
Regional Cooperation: Involve NEC (North Eastern Council) for better planning and audits.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (08 Sept 2025) – CAG report on Mizoram PWD. filecite
Constitution of India, Art. 148–151 (CAG provisions).
CAG India – Annual Reports (latest).
Bharatmala Pariyojana, PMGSY, NESIDS official portals.
🧩 Conclusion
The CAG’s findings on Mizoram’s PWD projects underscore the urgent need for governance reforms in infrastructure delivery. For the Northeast, where road connectivity is a development lifeline, ensuring accountability, quality standards, and transparent fund use is essential. Strengthened oversight mechanisms can turn road projects into engines of growth instead of examples of financial mismanagement.
🗳️ BTC Elections 2025 – Training of Polling Officials & Nomination Withdrawals
📘 GS Paper 2: Polity – Elections, Representation of People’s Act
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Autonomous Councils | Local Governance
🔹 Introduction
The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), created under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (2003 Bodo Accord), is an autonomous body administering the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam. The Assam Tribune (08 Sept 2025) reported key updates on the 2025 BTC elections, focusing on training of polling officials and the process of withdrawal of nominations. This reflects the functioning of grassroots democracy within constitutional special provisions. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per Assam Tribune report)
Training of Polling Officials: District administrations conducted training programmes to familiarise officials with EVM/VVPAT handling, polling procedures, and MCC (Model Code of Conduct).
Nomination Withdrawals: Several candidates withdrew nominations before the last date, indicating alliances and political strategy shifts.
Election Significance:
BTC elections a test of regional parties (Bodoland People’s Front, UPPL) and national parties (BJP, Congress).
High stakes for ethnic identity politics, development, and peace-building in BTR.
Election Commission Oversight: Assam State Election Commission ensuring transparency, fair conduct, and security.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
BTC Formation: Under 2003 Bodo Accord; later strengthened by 2020 Bodo Peace Accord.
Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2), 275(1)): Provides for Autonomous District Councils in NE states.
BTC Composition: 40 elected + 6 nominated members (total 46).
Voting Technology: EVMs + VVPAT mandatory.
State Election Commission (SEC): Constitutional authority under Art. 243K to conduct panchayat/municipal/ADC elections.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of BTC Elections
Grassroots Democracy: Strengthens local self-governance under Sixth Schedule.
Peace & Stability: Ensures representation of Bodos and other communities after decades of insurgency.
Development Role: BTC controls education, health, agriculture, roads, land, forests.
Political Integration: Platform for regional and national parties to engage with local aspirations.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Ethnic Polarisation | Elections often driven by identity politics. |
| Free & Fair Elections | Risk of intimidation in sensitive areas. |
| Administrative Capacity | Training of officials vital to prevent errors. |
| Coordination Issues | SEC–State Govt coordination critical. |
| Development Deficit | Expectations high, risk of instability if unmet. |
C. Govt & Institutional Initiatives
2020 Bodo Accord: Expanded BTC powers, promised ₹1,500 crore package.
Use of Technology: EVM + VVPAT to ensure transparency.
Capacity Building: Training programmes for polling staff.
Security Measures: Deployment of CAPFs in sensitive areas.
Awareness Campaigns: Voter education on EVM/VVPAT use.
D. Way Forward
Strengthen SEC Autonomy: Adequate staff, funds, and independence.
Inclusive Politics: Promote representation of non-Bodo communities too.
Capacity Development: Continuous training for election officials.
Transparency Measures: Live webcasting from sensitive polling stations.
Post-Election Governance: Effective implementation of Bodo Accord promises to reduce disillusionment.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (08 Sept 2025) – BTC elections coverage. filecite
2003 Bodo Accord, 2020 Bodo Peace Accord.
Constitution of India – Sixth Schedule, Article 243K.
Election Commission Guidelines on ADC elections.
🧩 Conclusion
The BTC elections of 2025 underline the vitality of grassroots democracy under Sixth Schedule autonomy. While training of polling officials and transparent nomination processes strengthen credibility, ensuring inclusivity and effective governance post-elections will be key to consolidating peace and development in Bodoland.
👩🦰 Women Empowerment Outreach in Cachar under HEW (Hub for Empowerment of Women)
📘 GS Paper 2: Social Justice – Women Empowerment, Welfare Schemes
📘 GS Paper 3: Inclusive Growth | Human Resource Development
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Social Development & Gender Issues
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Tribune (08 Sept 2025) reported a major outreach programme under the Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW) in Cachar district. The initiative aims at integrated support services for women, addressing issues of health, safety, livelihood, and rights, aligning with Assam’s broader gender empowerment policies. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per Assam Tribune report)
Programme Objective: Provide one-stop facilitation for women in rural and semi-urban areas.
Services Offered:
Legal aid & counselling.
Health check-ups and awareness (maternal, reproductive health).
Skill development & self-help group (SHG) linkages.
Support for victims of violence (domestic abuse, trafficking).
Outreach in Cachar:
Hundreds of women participated.
Awareness campaigns on women’s rights, nutrition, and govt schemes.
Convergence: Coordinated by District Social Welfare Dept, with support from local NGOs.
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW): Assam govt initiative under Social Welfare Dept to operationalise women-centric schemes.
One Stop Centre (OSC): MoWCD scheme offering integrated support for women facing violence.
POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018): National nutrition mission with special focus on women & children.
Self Help Groups (SHGs): Supported under DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission).
Legal Backing: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA, 2005).
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Importance of HEW Outreach
Social Justice: Empowers vulnerable women in remote areas.
Holistic Support: Combines health, livelihood, safety, and legal support.
Economic Participation: Strengthens SHGs, encourages women-led entrepreneurship.
Rights Awareness: Educates women on constitutional and legal rights.
Local Governance Role: Strengthens district-level service delivery.
B. Challenges in Women Empowerment (Assam context)
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Low Workforce Participation | Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in Assam below national average. |
| Health Issues | High Maternal Mortality Ratio (195 per lakh live births, SRS 2020). |
| Violence Against Women | Cases of trafficking, domestic abuse in tea garden and border areas. |
| Awareness Deficit | Many women unaware of schemes & entitlements. |
| Cultural Barriers | Patriarchal norms limit women’s decision-making power. |
C. Government & Institutional Initiatives
HEW Centres: Function as convergence platforms for women’s schemes.
Swadhar Greh: Shelter homes for women in distress.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).
Arunodoi Scheme: Assam’s DBT scheme with direct cash support to women-led households.
Atal Amrit Abhiyan: Health insurance including maternal health coverage.
D. Way Forward
Expand HEW Network: More centres in tea garden and char areas.
Digital Empowerment: Mobile apps, helplines for scheme access & grievance redressal.
Skill-Based Training: Link women to emerging sectors (digital services, handicrafts, agro-processing).
Community Engagement: Collaborate with local panchayats, women’s groups.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Regular social audits to ensure effective delivery.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (08 Sept 2025) – HEW outreach report. filecite
National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21).
Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoWCD) Schemes.
Assam Govt – Social Welfare Dept, Women Empowerment programmes.
🧩 Conclusion
The HEW outreach in Cachar reflects Assam’s proactive approach to gender-inclusive governance. By combining legal, health, and economic support, the initiative strengthens women’s agency and addresses multi-dimensional vulnerabilities. To sustain impact, Assam must ensure wider coverage, digital inclusion, and community-led monitoring, making women true stakeholders in the state’s development.d effectively, it can transform Assam into a healthcare equity leader in India’s Northeast.could be a game-changer, integrating the region more closely with ASEAN through tourism-driven prosperity.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧩 Topic 1: Bhupen Hazarika Centenary
Q1. (UPSC 2020-style factual)
Consider the following with respect to Bhupen Hazarika:
- He studied at Columbia University and was associated with the American civil rights activist Paul Robeson.
- He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously.
- He served as the Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (d)
Explanation:
- Hazarika studied at Columbia in the 1940s–50s and was influenced by Paul Robeson.
- Awarded Bharat Ratna in 2019 (posthumously).
- Served as Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi (1999–2004).
Q2. (Art & Culture MCQ)
Which of the following songs of Bhupen Hazarika was inspired by Paul Robeson’s Ol’ Man River?
(a) Dil Hoom Hoom Kare
(b) Bistirno Parore
(c) Manuhe Manuhor Babe
(d) Moi Eti Jajabor
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Bistirno Parore is based on the tune of Ol’ Man River but contextualised for the Brahmaputra, highlighting social struggles.
🧩 Topic 2: CAG on Mizoram PWD Irregularities
Q3. (UPSC 2016-style statement type)
Consider the following statements about the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG):
- CAG is appointed by the President of India under Article 148 of the Constitution.
- CAG’s reports are submitted to the Parliament/State Legislatures and examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
- The CAG can audit private companies if they receive government grants or equity participation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (d)
Explanation:
- (1) ✔ Article 148 appointment.
- (2) ✔ Reports go to legislatures → examined by PAC.
- (3) ✔ CAG can audit private firms receiving govt equity or significant grants.
Q4. (Assertion–Reason type)
Assertion (A): Road projects in Mizoram face frequent delays and irregularities.
Reason (R): Hilly terrain and heavy monsoon make quality monitoring extremely difficult.
(a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
(b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
While terrain and monsoon are challenges, CAG flagged fund diversion and weak monitoring as the primary causes, not just natural constraints.
🧩 Topic 3: BTC Elections 2025
Q5. (Polity – Sixth Schedule)
Which of the following provisions are correct about the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)?
- It was formed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- The Council consists of 46 members, of which 40 are elected and 6 are nominated.
- BTC has powers over education, health, agriculture, and land.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (d)
Explanation:
All statements are correct. BTC is a Sixth Schedule body, composition = 40 elected + 6 nominated, and it enjoys legislative, administrative, and financial powers over multiple subjects.
Q6. (Election process MCQ)
In the conduct of BTC elections, which authority is responsible for free and fair polls?
(a) Election Commission of India
(b) Assam State Election Commission
(c) Ministry of Home Affairs
(d) Governor of Assam
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Under Article 243K, State Election Commissions (SEC) conduct local body and ADC elections, not ECI.
🧩 Topic 4: HEW Outreach in Cachar
Q7. (Scheme-based)
The Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW) in Assam is primarily aimed at:
(a) Providing housing support for rural women
(b) Offering integrated services like health, legal aid, livelihood, and safety to women
(c) Distributing direct income support to women-headed households
(d) Creating women-only cooperative banks in rural Assam
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
HEW is a convergence platform for multi-dimensional empowerment of women – health, livelihood, legal aid, skill training, and protection against violence.
Q8. (Analytical MCQ)
Which of the following national programmes converge with Assam’s HEW initiative?
- One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme
- POSHAN Abhiyaan
- DAY-NRLM (Self Help Group promotion)
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: (d)
Explanation:
HEW integrates multiple women-centric schemes: OSC for violence victims, POSHAN for health, NRLM for SHG support, and BBBP for gender awareness.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Question
“Audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) often expose systemic governance weaknesses in infrastructure delivery. In light of the recent CAG findings on irregularities in Mizoram PWD road projects, discuss the challenges of accountability in state-level infrastructure and suggest reforms.”
(10/15 marks | 150–250 words)
✍️ Model Answer
🔹 Introduction
The CAG of India, established under Article 148 of the Constitution, is the guardian of public finances. Its recent audit report on Mizoram PWD road projects highlighted issues of fund diversion, poor quality control, and delays, reflecting the broader challenge of ensuring transparency and efficiency in infrastructure governance at the state level.
🔹 Body
1. Challenges in State-Level Infrastructure Governance
- Financial Irregularities: Payments released without physical verification.
- Weak Monitoring: Poor supervision of contractors and substandard construction.
- Administrative Gaps: Limited accountability in PWD functioning.
- Geographical Constraints: Difficult terrain and heavy monsoon exacerbate oversight issues.
- Political Influence: Contract allocations often influenced by vested interests.
2. Consequences
- Wastage of scarce public funds.
- Substandard and unsafe road infrastructure.
- Reduced connectivity in border and tribal areas, undermining development.
- Erosion of public trust in governance.
3. Reforms & Way Forward
- Strengthen Oversight: Empower PACs and state vigilance bodies to act on CAG findings.
- Technology Integration: Use of geo-tagging, drones, and real-time dashboards for monitoring works.
- Community Participation: Local user committees to oversee road quality.
- Contractor Accountability: Blacklisting non-performing contractors; performance-based payments.
- Capacity Building: Training PWD engineers in modern project management.
- Transparency Tools: E-procurement, social audits, and public disclosure of project progress.
🔹 Conclusion
The Mizoram PWD case underscores that audit findings must translate into systemic reforms. For India’s Northeast, where connectivity is a development lifeline, ensuring financial probity, quality assurance, and citizen-centric monitoring is vital. Strengthening accountability mechanisms will not only prevent leakages but also build durable, inclusive infrastructure. tea while safeguarding livelihoods of lakhs of workers and growers. translate into meaningful human development.me the cornerstone of India’s UHC journey, ensuring that no citizen is denied healthcare due to medicine costs.
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